This new facility now has a new and improved gymnasium, a computer room, locker rooms, and activity rooms. Fitness facilities have been expanded to include a new cardio room and aerobic studio. The indoor pool has been reopened and will host lap swim, senior hours, Learn to Swim classes and family swim programming. All three levels of the new building are accessible by elevator, allowing for people of all abilities to enjoy the facilities. The building addition and renovation was designed by Belmont Freeman Architects.

Construction of a new playground, multi-purpose field and sitting areas in the area adjacent to the center is separately funded, and is expected to begin this summer.

This project was funded with allocations of $5.25 million from Council Member Brewer, $4.05 million from Mayor Bloomberg and the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, $1 million from Borough President Stringer, $248,000 in federal grants obtained with the help of Congressman Jerrold Nadler, and $4.7 million obtained from private developers who built high rise buildings in the neighborhood.

The center has been renamed in honor of Gertrude Ederle, who grew up near the building in the early 1900s. An avid swimmer, Ederle competed in the 1924 Olympics and was the first woman to swim the English Channel in 1926. She learned how to swim by watching others at local pools, and through this recreation center named in her honor, children will be able to advance in sports, fitness, and healthy living.

Beginning today through Saturday, June 22, the Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center will host an open house, allowing New Yorkers to try the center out for free. Beginning Sunday, June 23, membership will be required to access the facility. Hours of operation for the Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center are 6:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on weekends.

An NYC Parks Recreation Center membership gives you access to New York City’s most affordable and extensive network of recreational facilities across the five boroughs. We keep our fees affordable for everyone and we do not charge an initiation or joiner’s fee.

Since 1910, NYC Parks has provided the most affordable and extensive network of recreational services throughout New York City. Parks recreation centers offer facilities such as indoor pools, weight rooms, basketball courts, and dance studios, art studios, game rooms, and libraries. All of our recreation centers offer a range of programs for people of all ages. Membership for the center costs $150/year for Adults, $25/year for Seniors (aged 62 and over), and is free for Youths under 18. Soon, we will be adding a new membership category for Young Adults (aged 18-24) for $25/year. For more information on Recreation Center membership, please visit http://www.nyc.gov/parks/membership.

QUOTATION OF THE DAY

"To me, the sea is like a person -- like a child that I've known a long time. It sounds crazy, I know, but when I swim in the sea I talk to it. I never feel alone when I'm out there"